Insignificant fire behavior was observed on all portions of the fire yesterday and forest officials anticipate a new emergency area closure for the area surrounding the Gladiator Fire later this week. Rehabilitation plans have been developed and work to restore and stabilize areas disturbed by suppression activities has started. As firefighters continue to monitor and patrol the remainder of the fire; smoke may be visible in the community of Crown King and Pine Flat as heavy fuels continue to smolder.

Drive Slow! Expect Delays!

Firefighters and equipment are actively working in the area!

County Road 59 into Crown King is open to the public. Visitors are reminded to be cautious, slow-down and drive defensively. Be aware of your surroundings, heavy equipment along roadways, fire equipment and 4-wheelers in the community.

Closures

An expanded Closure Order is in effect, as of May 20, 2012 at 6 p.m., for all Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District land south of the following:

Beginning at the southwest corner, Township 12 North, Range 3 West, Section 33; south of River Pasture, along Forest Road 72 west to FS Road 667, following Middlewater Creek to the south of Maverick Mountain, east to Forest Road 9403C and onto Forest Road 52B connecting to the Senator Highway (County Road 56). Senator Highway east continuing to FS Road 261 east of Mount Union Lookout towards County Road 58 through Breezy Pines, extending to Poland Junction.

A closeup of the forest closure area.

All roads leading into the community of Crown King are closed.

Cleator – Crown King Road (County Road 59) is closed at Cleator.

Senator Highway to Crown King (County Road 52) is closed at the junction with Poland Rd. (County Road 58). .

Mayer-Bolada Road (County Road 177) is closed at the Forest Boundary.

Forest Road 711 is closed south of the Forest boundary at Cow Creek

Forest Road 362 is closed south of the Forest boundary at Wagner.

Forest Road 192 is closed

Fire Bans

A Yavapai County fire ban is in effect across all fire ban zones. Prescott National Forest Campfire and Smoking Restrictions are also in effect. For AZ Fire Info & Restrictions Information call 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov.